Springfield City Council delays vote on wood waste recycling center at former Diamond Match site after neighbors voice concerns

SPRINGFIELD — The City Council has postponed a vote regarding a tree service company’s request to operate a wood waste recycling center at the former Diamond Match property after East Forest Park residents raised concerns about odors and traffic.

Arbortech Tree Service, of 23 Paridon St., was requesting the special permit for the recycling center in conjunction with a long-active tree service operation that already exists. The company has mulch and compost operations and provides tree pruning and trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, crane services, lot clearing and emergency tree service, according to company officials and its website.

The council, after a nearly hour-long hearing on Monday, continued the matter without approving or denying the special permit request. It could return for a vote at the next council hearings meeting March 25.

Randy Sample, the business owner, said he has been working with neighborhood residents in an effort to lessen their concerns, including the relocation of a compost pile to an area furthest away from homes, and his company warnings to truck traffic to reduce their speed.

Several residents, however, said the odors are affecting their lives, particularly in warmer weather, and they also raised serious concerns about flies and rodents, and large trucks going too fast.

Sample said he believes the odors may occur when there is active work on the compost pile, but he believed the relocation of the pile should be very helpful.

Some residents, however, said that the existing compost pile at Arbortech is too big and odorous, with many of the materials trucked in from outside Springfield.

Deputy City Planner Philip Dromey said the property is zoned Industrial A, which allows tree service operations. However, a special permit is needed for any “recycling center” he said.

Dromey said he wasn’t certain whether the composting operation -- which appears to be one of the main issues with the neighborhood -- would be covered under the “recycling” special permit, and how it would change business operations there regarding residents’ complaints if the permit is denied.

Councilors said they hope Sample will contact residents and try to resolve issues raised at the council meeting ahead of a March vote.

While zoned for industrial use, the area does have a mix of business and residential properties including abutting residences, officials said.

Frank Ryan, a representative of the East Forest Park Civic Association, spoke in favor of the permit, saying Sample appeared to be working with residents on concerns. The neighborhood is pleased to have new business, but with the expectation that owners work with the neighborhood., he said.

Some residents said they have long complained about trailers stored on the property and other storage, but Sample said he had the trailers removed on Monday, just prior to the council hearing.

The site is approximately eight acres in size.

Arbortech is adjacent to Armster Reclaimed Lumber, which is also part of the former Diamond Match property. Armster The council granted a special permit to Reclaimed Lumber in November to operate a lumber recycling center, with conditions aimed at easing some neighborhood concerns.

The Armster owner had made some improvements to the property and received support from the neighborhood council and many residents.

In other action, the council:

Approved two special permits for Pride Convenience Inc., for a changing image sign at the Pride gas station and convenience store at 1225 Parker St., in Sixteen Acres, and for the gas station/store at 1211 East Columbus Ave., in the South End.

Granted a special permit for Mass Park Realty LLC, for the temporary storage of truck bodies at 185 Spring St., in an industrial area of the downtown. The site is currently used as a transportation operation and for commercial parking and the area proposed for storage is already paved on along the side and rear of the parcel.

Continued a request for a special permit to storage of propane tanks at 255 Liberty St., without a vote to approve or deny the permit.